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NBA Draft Spotlight: Brian Bowen

Once a top recruit, Brian Bowen was denied the chance to play in college after some NCAA investigations regarding illegal payments. After spending a year in Australia, he looks more mature and ready to push for a draft selection.

Position: SF

From: Australia (USA)

Class/YOB: 1998

Height: 6’7

Weight: 200

Wingspan: 6’10

Strengths:

Aggressive transition player with the athleticism to thrive on the break

Defensive upside with his size as a wing. Knows how to use length when he is engaged. Playing against grown men this past season forced him to accept a lesser role than he played for most of his life

Has a scorer’s mentality. Likes to fill it up and look to score when he has the chance. His handle shows flashes to give hope that he will become a useful isolation weapon. His one-dribble pull-up is clean and he can shoot with rhythm from three

Moves fluidly and effortlessly. Will serve him defensively guarding multiple spots and as a player that can create mismatches on the perimeter

Weaknesses:

Has some work to do in order to find a defined role offensively. He wants to score, but he isn’t going to be given that freedom from most teams early on

Skinny for a wing. The hope is that he can fill out eventually

Doesn’t always defend to his capabilities. He plays with decent energy for the most part and could find playing time as a wing defender and lane filler in transition

Lack of strength can hinder his slashing playstyle. NBA perimeter defenders will make it difficult for him to finish through the contact